BREAKING: Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper expressed shock over recent comments from president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski, who suggested that Harper may no longer be an elite player. In a press conference on October 15, 2023, Harper stated, “it’s kind of wild to me still,” emphasizing his disbelief at the public critique.
Harper’s reaction comes after Dombrowski publicly assessed Harper’s performance during the 2025 season, where he posted a .261 batting average and an .844 OPS, both his lowest figures since 2016. Despite hitting 27 home runs and driving in 75 RBIs, Dombrowski’s evaluation indicated that Harper’s performance fell short of the high standards expected of a two-time NL MVP.
During the press conference, Harper revealed his confusion regarding Dombrowski’s decision to make his evaluation public. “I think the big thing for me was when we first met with this organization it was, ‘Hey, we’re always going to keep things in-house and we expect you to do the same thing,'” Harper said. “So when that didn’t happen, it kind of took me for a run a little bit.”
Harper, who signed a $330 million deal that spans 13 years, acknowledged that his performance did not meet his standards. “Obviously, I didn’t have the year that I wanted. My numbers weren’t where they needed to be,” he stated. Despite the criticism, he emphasized that external comments do not serve as motivation for him.
“For Dave to come out and say those things, it’s kind of wild to me still,” Harper added.
Harper’s wrist injury sidelined him for a month last season, impacting his overall performance. He reflected on his past successes, including finishing sixth in NL MVP voting in 2024 and receiving his fourth Silver Slugger Award.
Dombrowski had previously remarked, “Can he rise to the next level again? I don’t really know that answer. He’s the one that will dictate that more than anything else.” His comments suggest significant pressure on Harper to reclaim his elite status as the Phillies gear up for the 2026 MLB season.
As the Phillies prepare for spring training, all eyes will be on Harper’s performance and how he responds to the mounting expectations. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Harper can bounce back and prove that he still belongs among the elite players in baseball.
This situation is developing, and updates are expected as the Phillies approach the upcoming season. Stay tuned for further details on Harper’s performance and team dynamics as they unfold.